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Tuesday, July 11, 2006

After 100 posts I'm a bit delirious so forgive me as we depart from the norm here at History Is Elementary.

Some teachers across this great land of ours plan wonderful, elaborate celebrations for students to take part in on the 100th day of school. I have planned some opportunties for you to participate in on this most momentous occaision since you probably never experienced a 100th day recognition from the student's point of view.

Okay readers, sit up straight and sing along with me (to the tune of “Ta-ra-ra boom de ay”)

It’s the 100th word playSo shout hip-hip hooray!We’ll count and eat and play,It’s the 100th word play.See all we’ve collected.100’s on display.Join in the fun and say,Hooray for the 100th word play!Great job! I knew you could do it. Now, we are going to have a little history lesson. You didn’t think you were going to get by without one, did you?

Wikipedia advises that by the year 100 the Roman army had reached 30,000 soldiers. Lions had become extinct in Europe by that time, and the Jewish historian, Josephus, passed away. The year 100 saw the first use of the wheelbarrow in China, and the Hopewell culture began to make itself known in what would one day become Ohio. In India, you might have found the beginnings of the compilation of the Kama Sutra while a traveler in the Christian world would have seen the early dogma and formulas regarding Christian morality.

Alternative resources are always real important in the classroom so here are a few to entertain you:

100 things to do with books (great for language arts teachers) can be found here

It's refreshment time. Our song promised something to eat and here it is. Wait until you are called before coming up to fix your plate, and remember.....Mrs. Elementaryhistoryteacher does not allow you to leave your seat while we are eating. Please raise your hand if you need something.

Now, our song mentions things that we have collected so here is the interactive portion of this 100th post. Make this the best 100th post ever by choosing to complete one of the assignments. I’ve given you three choices in order to differentiate between your various learning styles. Choose at least one assignment and follow the directions so that we can all celebrate this momentous 100. ( I am actually hoping the response rate is better here than the rate of homework completion in my actual classroom) :).

Choice 1: A few years ago there was a launch from Cape Kennedy that included a grouping of 100 things that represented life here on earth. The purpose of doing this was to create a hypothetical situation where contact with other life might occurr. The objects would be helpful in explaining what life is like here. What types of things do you think should have been on the manifest? Consider this a meme if you wish and post on your own blog linking back to mine, or give me a list of 20 or so as a comment.

Choice 2: Find or create a grouping of 100 things or other representation of the number 100. Post your links here or email your images to me at historyiselementary@yahoo.com and I will post them as I receive them. If you know how to post an image within a comment feel free to do so.

Choice 3: Create a post or comment that includes something about 100 miles, 100 dollars, 100 years, and 100 pounds. You can write about each in a separate paragraph or combine all four things together, but all four categories need to be in the same post.

Wow, I'm very impressed with the caliber of work I am receiving so far. Thank you so much for celebrating with me. I will resume regular posting later on tomorrow or Friday. I may go in at some point and post the pictures and lists MellowOut, and Kontan referred to. Thank you so much for the image gifts. You both earned an A.

Happychyck and CalforniaTeacherGuy----thanks so much for posting at your site and linking back to me. You both did a great job. CTG links back to a historical site 100 miles from his home and Happychyck uses 100 Uno cards for her illustration. You both have earned A's!

Dennis, what a list. I've had a great time attempting to analyze your choices as to why you chose certain things. Very entertaining.You've also earned an A.

Thanks for the new word, Chance. You have earned a quintal of gold stars.

Thanks to everyone who took their precious blogging time to celebrate with me.

Mike, I like how you related my assignment choice to your personal life. Historians like that kind of thing. You have earned an A. One Hundred miles from the interstate.....now that's rural.

Thanks for the links JennieW and q's personal legend. Jennie I understand about homework, classwork, and regular life filling your plate. I'm holding one of those Chinet kind right now and believe it or not they do break in half when you put too many things on them. Both of you have A's in my book!